Welcome to the Friday Brief for 4 July 2014.
The economic news this week shows a very strong reading for the PMI in the UK with only the USA coming close to matching the pace of expansion in the UK manufacturing sector. By contrast, the PMI for the Euro-Zone fell slightly compared to May, with the main concern being France where the index slipped to a 6-month low.
This week the Labour Party’s thinking about the economy was set out at a major conference in London. Entitled ‘Inclusive Prosperity’ the thinking brings together recent reviews on subjects including Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Growth. Presentation of the reviews was followed with a speech by Ed Miliband, Leader of the Labour Party. We have a full report of the conference in this week’s Friday Brief.
The right to request flexible working has just been introduced. Employers now have a duty to give such a request reasonable consideration, although not a duty to grant it. ACAS has produced two guides which are attached to the story in the Friday Brief on how to handle the new arrangements.
This week also saw a request from the BSI for comment on the new Safe Use of Machinery guidelines. We have a link to the new document in the Brief. Members interested in making a contribution should contact the MTA’s Technical Manager so that the MTA’s input can be co-ordinated.
Members attending the Farnborough International Air Show are invited to attend the Washington State Pavilion for an informal chat and networking over drinks and canapés. We have further details in the Brief.
A video of some of the highlights from MACH 2014 has been compiled and can be played from the entry in this week’s Friday Brief.
We also have a reminder about the Inter-Association Golf Day on 16 July. This friendly competition between teams from engineering associations is always popular and is a great networking opportunity.
Have a good weekend.